Military banners honor Pine heroes

Pine is taking steps to make Memorial Day extra special this year with a new military banner pilot program.

Residents can honor their hometown heroes with a 24-by-48-inch banner to be exhibited on 67 township-owned poles from May 27 through Veterans Day.

The military service member must be a resident of the township, have grown up in the township or have family currently living in Pine to be recognized. Veterans must also have been honorably discharged or have given their life serving.

Pine businesses can apply to sponsor a military banner. The program includes one double-sided banner with the nominating party and sponsoring businesses located underneath the picture, along with official military information.

“Sponsoring a banner is a great opportunity for local businesses to support veterans and the township,” Kirsten Primm, township planner, said.

A nominating family or friend may choose to purchase the banner without a sponsoring business.

Selected banners will be displayed across the township for two years, after which the banner will be permanently removed and given to the service person or family member. The cost of a potential banner replacement due to harsh weather conditions has been factored into the cost.

Applications are open for the 2024-25 program year.

“We’ve been getting a lot of applications, which is very exciting. We’ll still be accepting applications until March 29,” Primm said.

The banner program is first come, first served. After 67 applications are received, any remaining applications will automatically be placed in the next display period for 2026.

Information on how to submit an online application can be found on Pine township’s website at pinetownship-administration.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/37460. Residents can also fill out an application and drop it off at the Pine Township Municipal Building, 230 Pearce Mill Road.